Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage customs operations, ensuring compliance and driving efficiency.
- Company: Established UK-based freight forwarding group at Heathrow.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, autonomy, and long-term career progression.
- Other info: Join a growing logistics business with a supportive SME culture.
- Why this job: Shape the customs function in a dynamic airfreight environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in customs operations and strong stakeholder management skills.
Location: London Heathrow (Office-Based / Hybrid Options Available)
Salary: £65,000 per annum
Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 - 19:00
About the Role
We are working with a well-established UK-based SME freight forwarding group who are looking to appoint an experienced Customs & Compliance Manager to take ownership of their customs function for their UK operation reporting into their London Heathrow branch. This is a key leadership role responsible for managing, developing, and continuously improving all customs operations across import and export activity within one of the company's core UK hubs. You will ensure full HMRC compliance while driving efficiency, accuracy, and commercial value across the customs function. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys a blend of hands-on customs operations and strategic development, within a busy international freight environment at a major UK airfreight gateway.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the UK customs function.
- Ensure full compliance with HMRC regulations and UK customs legislation.
- Oversee customs declarations including CFSP, NCTS, customs warehousing, and duty regimes.
- Maintain and develop AEO compliance standards and internal audit processes.
- Act as the key point of contact for all customs-related queries and escalations at Heathrow.
- Review, improve, and implement customs processes, SOPs, and control frameworks.
- Liaise with HMRC, external authorities, airlines, and internal stakeholders.
- Support customs strategy and regulatory compliance across airfreight operations.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and drive operational efficiencies.
- Support systems integration and customs workflow improvements.
About You
The ideal candidate will have:
- Strong background in customs operations, compliance, or brokerage.
- Experience within freight forwarding, 3PL, logistics, or airfreight environments.
- Solid understanding of UK customs legislation and procedures.
- Experience with AEO standards and audit compliance (highly desirable).
- Strong stakeholder management skills, particularly within fast-paced operational environments.
- Ability to lead a customs function and drive continuous improvement.
What's on Offer
- Salary up to £65,000 per annum.
- Senior role based at a major Heathrow freight hub.
- Opportunity to lead and shape the customs function.
- Strong SME environment with autonomy and visibility.
- Long-term career progression within a growing logistics business.
If you are an experienced Customs & Compliance professional looking for a leadership role within a fast-paced Heathrow freight environment, we would love to hear from you.
Customs & Compliance Manager in Staines employer: WR Logistics
Contact Detail:
WR Logistics Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Customs & Compliance Manager in Staines
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the customs and compliance field. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its customs operations. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around HMRC compliance and AEO standards. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Customs & Compliance Manager role. We’ve got the inside scoop on what employers are looking for, and we want to help you shine in your job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Customs & Compliance Manager in Staines
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Customs & Compliance Manager role. Highlight your experience in customs operations and compliance, and don’t forget to mention any relevant achievements that showcase your skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention your understanding of UK customs legislation and how you can drive efficiency and compliance in our operations.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a key leadership role, make sure to highlight your experience in managing teams and driving continuous improvement. We want to see how you’ve led customs functions in the past and what impact you made.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at WR Logistics
✨Know Your Customs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on UK customs legislation and procedures before the interview. Familiarise yourself with HMRC regulations and be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in your previous roles. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about customs operations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Customs & Compliance Manager, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've managed teams or projects in the past, focusing on your ability to drive continuous improvement and operational efficiencies. Highlight any specific achievements that demonstrate your leadership capabilities.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about how you've handled relationships with various stakeholders, including HMRC, airlines, and internal teams. Think of specific instances where you successfully navigated complex situations or resolved conflicts, as this will illustrate your strong stakeholder management skills.
✨Bring Ideas for Improvement
The role involves reviewing and improving customs processes, so come prepared with ideas on how you would enhance efficiency and accuracy within the customs function. This shows initiative and that you're already thinking strategically about the role, which can set you apart from other candidates.